Dana Point was incorporated on January 1, 1989. The City's boundaries encompass the three distinct communities of Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, and Monarch Beach. Dana Point's adjoining cities include Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano.

Dana Point is located midway between the cities of San Diego and Los Angeles in the southern portion of Orange County. This location provides access to four major airports within about one hour's drive. The San Diego Freeway runs through the city from north to south and Pacific Coast Highway provides intercity access to the beach communities of Orange County.

Dana Point Harbor provides slips and mooring for over 2,500 boats along with over 50 specialty shops and restaurants. The Harbor attracts thousands of visitors annually for shopping, sportfishing, walking, bicycling, parasailing and a whole host of recreational activities. The Harbor is also home to the Ocean Institute, a nationally recognized research and teaching facility dedicated to the protection of the marine environment.

Dana Point's weather is superb year-round. Temperatures are as low as 50 in the winter with an average rainfall of 13". High temperatures are between 80 - 90 in the summer with exceptionally little ground fog. Dana Point is virtually smog-free with prevailing offshore breezes.

Dana Point Harbor is the gateway to Doheny State Park, one of California's most popular beach facilities. The 62-acre State Park offers camping, picnicking, swimming, surfing, bicycling, tidepool exploration and more.

Dana Point provides over 1,400 hotel rooms ranging in accommodations and services from economy hotels to the five star Ritz Carlton. Convention and meeting facilities are available at the larger resort facilities. All provide access to Dana Point's unique coastal amenities.